Holy Trinity Church is a grand, convict-built heritage-listed building in Hobart and dates from 1841 when the foundation stone was laid by Sir John Franklin (of North-West Passage fame). Standing proudly on a hilltop, Holy Trinity is Hobart's most prominent colonial structure and Christian landmark. For many historical, cultural and religious reasons it is one of the most important churches in Tasmania and Australia.

Holy Trinity's range of significant heritage features is outstanding - see Church Tour. A spiritual sanctuary for more than 160 years, it has nurtured tens of thousands of Hobartians. Stories about people and events associated with Holy Trinity are fascinating. But Holy Trinity has been badly neglected in recent years and areas of its sandstone exterior need urgent repair. The National Trust of Australia (http://www.heritageatrisk.org.au/Holy_Trinity.html) recently listed Holy Trinity as one of the Ten Most-At-Risk Heritage Places in Australia.

The people of Tasmania (and other parts of Australia) treasure Holy Trinity and in 2007 more than 6500 signed a petition to save the church. Hobart City Council funded a Conservation Management Plan to assess the structural condition of the building and estimate the cost of repairs and a time frame for doing them. The CMP was published in August 2008 and includes assessment of the historical, cultural and ecclesiastical heritage features of the church.

The Anglican diocese of Tasmania says they can't afford the repairs, despite the exact cost not being known and Holy Trinity parish owning properties worth more than $4 million and the Keefer Bequest of $400 000. Bishop John Harrower approved closure and deconsecration of the church on 28 October 2007. Since then the doors have been locked, and the bells, the oldest made for an Australian church, no longer ring. And the Hobart Orpheus Choir, possibly the oldest performing choir in Australia, can no longer present concerts there. Bishop Harrower has promised that no significant fittings or furnishings will be removed from the church until the CMP has been completed (see News).

The best way forward now is a charitable trust which gives responsibility for the church back to the people. The Holy Trinity Church Charitable Trust was formed in November 2007 and stands ready to receive the title deed of the church and all within it, to raise funds to restore it, and to open it up for a wide range of community activities.

This website has been set up by the Holy Trinity Support Group. We undertake many different activities and you can keep up to date with our News. We welcome any form of assistance which aims to preserve this essential part of Australia's heritage, so don't hesitate to Contact Us.